Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, after
calcium. About 85% of phosphorus in the body exists in bone.

Functions

Phosphorus’ functions include:

Forming bones and teeth

Growing, maintaining, and repairing of cells and tissues

Synthesizing and activating proteins, such as enzymes and hormones

Maintaining acid-base balance

Producing, regulating, and transferring energy in the body

Converting carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy

Being an important cell membrane component

Being important to hemoglobin’s oxygen delivery function

Recommended Intake

Age Group
Recommended Dietary Allowance
(mg/day)

0-6 monthsNo RDA; Adequate Intake (AI) = 100

7-12 monthsNo RDA; AI = 275

1-3 years460

4-8 years500

9-18 years1,250

19 years and older700

Pregnancy and lactation, 18 years and younger1,250

Pregnancy and lactation, 19 years and older700

Phosphorus Deficiency

Phosphorus deficiency is called hypophosphatemia. Since phosphorus is present in such a large variety of foods, dietary phosphorus deficiency is rare.

Symptoms of hypophosphatemia may include:

Loss of appetite

General weakness

Muscle weakness

Bone pain

Increased susceptibility to infection

Prickling, tingling, or numbness of the skin in the arm, hands, legs, or feet

Loss of muscular coordination

Phosphorus Toxicity

Phosphorus toxicity is rare in people with normal kidney function. However, those with
kidney problems
may experience hyperphosphatemia, or elevated levels of phosphorus in the blood. Hyperphosphatemia can result in decreased levels of calcium in the blood and overproduction of parathyroid hormone, which can lead to bone loss.

The following table shows the upper intake levels for phosphorus. But, it's important to note that these levels are not created for people with kidney disease. If you have problems with your kidneys and are concerned about your phosphorus intake, talk to your doctor.

Age Group
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
(mg/day)

0-12 monthsThis amount has not been established.

1-8 years3,000

9-70 years4,000

70 years and older3,000

Pregnancy and lactation3,500 and 4,000

Major Food Sources

Are you looking to add more phosphorus to your diet? Here are some good food sources:

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.